This applause was made at the public unveiling of the agency’s Compendium of Achievements and the relaunch of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Map.
The Minister of Environment, Mr Balarabe Abbas-Lawal, recognized these efforts during the official ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, describing the event a sign of Nigeria’s commitment to environmental protection, accountability, and sustainable development.
In his keynote address, the Minister stressed that the Compendium and the updated ESI Map offer a clear, evidence-based record of NOSDRA’s efforts, saying it aligns with the federal government’s move toward data-driven environmental governance.
Mr Abbas-Lawal shared significant results, noting that NOSDRA completed 1,424 Joint Investigation Visits (JIVs), recovered 15,980 barrels of crude oil from 1,512 spills, and issued 660 Closeout Certificates for major clean-up projects, including those in Bodo and the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) sites.
The Minister celebrated the Agency’s recognition as the top-performing MDA in Nigeria’s Transparency and Integrity Index for both 2023 and 2024. He called it a remarkable achievement of institutional excellence.
While acknowledging these successes, the Minister expressed concern about the rising issue of artisanal refining, responsible for about 82 percent of oil spills in the country, urging NOSDRA to step up surveillance, community engagement, and an enforcement effort to combat this harmful practice.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for NOSDRA in its mission to create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable oil and gas industry.
The Chairman of the NOSDRA Governing Board, Mr Edward Omo-Erewa, also congratulated Mr Woke and the entire staff, praising their professionalism and achievements as a clear sign of effective leadership and teamwork.
He observed that NOSDRA’s proactive approach and consistent recognition both nationally and internationally prove its operational excellence.
In his opening remarks, the DG expressed deep gratitude to the Minister, the Governing Board, and all stakeholders, pointing out that the Compendium and ESI Map relaunch not only record progress across policy, capacity building, and enforcement but also reaffirm the agency’s commitment to transparency and stewardship of the environment.